Ultrathin BaF2 films of less than 20nm thickness on the Si(100) substr
ates were deposited by ion beam sputtering technique. The crystallogra
phic quality and surface morphology of the films were investigated by
X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope, respectively. T
he MIS diode type tunnel emitter was fabricated on the n-type Si subst
rate using this film as a tunnel barrier insulator, The electrical pro
perties of the tunnel emitter such as I-V characteristics and electron
emission current into the vacuum were measured. Pico-ampere/mm(2) ord
er electron emission current density was obtained for typical samples.
These results were systematically investigated in relation to the BaF
2 deposition conditions.